On 1 October 2026, the news agency Reuters reported that the Trump administration has asked Germany and France to release part of their emergency diesel stocks. The stated aim is to help bring down global fuel prices. Washington is threatening to cut off the two European countries from US exports if they do not comply, according to three sources familiar with the discussions.
What the US administration is asking for
According to Reuters, the request concerns part of the emergency diesel stocks held by Paris and Berlin. The United States is threatening to deprive both countries of American exports in the event of a refusal, which marks an escalation of pressure on Europe. Donald Trump had already publicly raised the possibility of a diesel export ban.
A US official said it is in Europe's interest to work with the United States, as several avenues are being explored to strengthen the supply of refined products and reduce costs for consumers.
Why Europe is affected
Europe has become increasingly dependent on American fuels since it banned Russian imports following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
A second factor adds to this dependence: the war launched on 28 February by the United States and Israel against Iran is disrupting supplies from the Middle East. The surge in oil prices around the world has led to protest movements in many countries.
A discussion between six European players
An EU official said that the European Commission, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland and Great Britain discussed on Thursday the possible need to release diesel stocks. At this stage, the agency reports no decision resulting from this discussion.
The International Energy Agency (IEA), the West's energy watchdog, has not yet asked Germany to draw on its stocks, the German Ministry of Economy said.
The IEA nevertheless remains at the heart of the exchanges: according to an Élysée official, the purpose of the next meeting of leaders would notably be to coordinate a release of reserves in cooperation with the International Energy Agency.
Washington's grievances against Paris and Berlin
Washington says it is particularly unhappy with France and Germany. According to US officials, the two countries have not fully honoured their past commitments to put their emergency stocks of oil and petroleum products on the market, as Reuters had already reported.
The French Ministry of Energy declined to comment. An Élysée official said that Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump had not discussed this issue during their meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York the previous week.
In the United States, rising prices are fuelling Americans' discontent with Donald Trump, whose popularity has fallen to record lows. This situation jeopardises the Republicans' chances of keeping their majority in Congress after the midterm elections held in early November.